Monday, October 5, 2009

A Grand Performance

And when their hearts were merry, they said, "Call Samson, and let him entertain us." So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them. They made him stand between the pillars; and Samson said to the attendant who held him by the hand, "Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests so that I may lean against them." Now the house was full of men and women; all the lords of the Philistines were there, and on the roof there were about three thousand men and women, who looked on while Samson performed. Judges 16: 25-17 NRSV

What kind of performance was Samson doing?

Juggling? Not without his eyes!

Weightlifting? No, he had lost his strength.

Dancing? Carving? Singing?

There is just one "talent" that Samson has had during this whole time and it involves women. Is that the kind of performance? It could be that the followers of the god Dagon included that sort of thing in their worship. This was, after all, a celebration to thank Dagon for getting Samson into their hands.

We don't know those kind of details.

We do know that it was extremely humiliating for Samson. And that was the point. All his life, Samson has been spoiled, lauded and in charge. Now he is enslaved, blind and completely humiliated. He has been brought low.

Yet, even in his humiliation, he is to be God's instrument against the Philistines.

God, sometimes we are brought low. Sometimes we are humiliated. Yet, you see something in us and still have wonderful plans for us. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question of the day: What has been the most humiliating moment in your life?